The 2012 PEUGEOT 308 has just been unveiled by the French automaker, through a series of photos and details which underline the aesthetic and mechanical improvements featured by this facelift version.

The 2012 PEUGEOT 308 facelift will hit the British market in March, and the car which will be available in three body styles - hatchback, CC and SW will be offered with four trim levels named Access, SR, Active and Allure.

In terms of design the 2012 PEUGEOT 308 comes with a refreshed front fascia that resembles with the 508, and some of the features include LED headlamps, and newly designed 16 inch alloys.

Engine options for the 2012 PEUGEOT 308 will include the latest generation VTi, THP petrol and HDi diesel plants, all of which are Euro 5 compliant, plus the new micro-hybrid technology which promises CO2 emissions of 98 grams per Km when combined with the automaker's 1.6-litre HDI FAP 112 diesel.

The New Peugeot 308 will be launched in the UK in May with a new look, a range of innovative technology and CO2 emissions from just 98 g/km.

Since launch in September 2007 over 900,000 308 models have been soldworldwide. In the UK over 84,000 vehicles have been sold, making it the second most popular Peugeot model.

The New Peugeot 308 is being launched onto the UK market integrating all the latest Peugeot styling elements already seen on the Peugeot 508 and the SR1 Concept Car. The new Peugeot 308 will be available in threebody styles; Hatchback, CC and SW, and four multi-model trim levels; Access, SR, Active and Allure. A range topping hatchback and CC THP 200 model will also be available in a single GT trim level.

A new look at the front with the latest LED headlamps and running lights gives the New Peugeot 308 an elegant and modern look. All the dynamic and emotional strengths of the original Peugeot 308 have been retained and strengthened further with the introduction of more efficient engines and Peugeot’s innovative micro-hybrid e-HDi Stop &Start technology.

Peugeot’s micro-hybrid e-HDi Stop & Start technology is the latest generation technology and combined with Peugeot’s class leading 1.6 litre HDi FAP 112 Euro 5 diesel engine reduces CO2emissionsto 98 g/km. This engine option will also be available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed electronically controlled manualgearbox (EGC). This will give the New Peugeot 308 the lowest emissions in its segment.

This also enables the New Peugeot 308 HDi FAP 92 model, fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, to emit CO2 emissions of only 110 g/km.

At launch four petrol and four diesel engines will be available.

Euro 5 Petrol Engines

1.4 litre VTi 98

5-Speed Manual Gearbox

1.6 litre VTi 120

5-Speed Manual Gearbox

Automatic Gearbox

1.6 litre THP 156

6-Speed Manual Gearbox

Automatic Gearbox

1.6 litre THP 200 (GT Hatchback & CC models only)

6-Speed Manual Gearbox

Euro 5 HDi Diesel Engines

1.6 litre HDi FAP 92

5-Speed Manual Gearbox

1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112

6-Speed Manual Gearbox

6-Speed Electronically Controlled Manual Gearbox

2.0 litre HDi FAP 150

6-Speed Manual Gearbox

2.0 litre HDi FAP 163

6-Speed Manual Gearbox (CC)

Automatic Gearbox

The New Peugeot 308 will be launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and go on sale in the UK in May. The new range will start from £15,245 on-the-road with an improved standard specification to the current model.

*The 98 g/km CO2 308 1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112 model will beclass leading in its segment and is pending approval, and will be available from summer 2011